Thanks for all the inspiring stories!
 

Hello all,


I just wanted to mention that it was a great comfort reading the posts last evening on this forum. Our little Yorkie Snickers has renal problems and it has been up and down the past few months. He has been on Sub Q fluids for over a year and is seeing an Internist who is just wonderful. Last few days he had had stomach issues and we are dealing with trying to keep him eating. He is on new meds and a new diet to stimulate his appetite. (Long story) but the vet suggested some boiled buffalo meat and he loves it! He is doing much better today, but last night I was pretty much at the end of my rope.


I am posting in this section because I was so inspired by so many posts from people who care so much for their pets and really do their best to meet their responsibilities as a pet owner. It helped me last night to read the numerous posts from owners who love their dogs and do so much for their dogs. We hear many awful stories about abuse and neglect, but often do not hear the positive.



My little Snickers has had many challenges in his life. He ate 2 chicken bones a few years back and had to have emergency surgery, he has “found” many food items on the floor and some health issues as a result, and one of his renal medicine caused neurological problems (fortunately no permanent damage.) Anyway, my wife and I do our job taking care of him. He is our responsibility and I just plain do not mind the time and money we need to invest in his care…..This is our responsibility and we owe this to Snickers. Not to mention we adore this little guy and is a member of the family.


I am a psychologist and, although it is not my area of expertise, there is mounting research that animals are, in fact, much more like humans in terms of cognition and emotion. (Of course this does not mean they function at the level of humans). Anyway, years ago animal behavior was explained in terms of genetics or learning (e.g., operant conditioning). Current research is showing what many of us pet owners know is that the bonds we form with our pets are very complex and our pets really do understand our emotions. With this in mind, I am heartened to see pet owners caring for their animals and taking their responsibility seriously.
So thanks to all of you for providing me with a bit of inspiration when I was rather overwhelmed!


Brian50

Hi and welcome to YT! Sorry to hear about the health problems that Snickers has/had. I hope he keeps getting better. :) Snickers is adorable.

And yes, I always believed that our furry companions know and feel more than we thought. They are just awesome. I wish everyone felt that way too.

Welcome to Yorkietalk! I am sorry about all the health issues your little Snickers has had but he sounds like a tough little guy and I hope everything goes good for you and him.

Sorry to hear Snickers has had so many difficulties - you are very fortunate to have each other. Sending good wishes and prayers for Snickers.

Thanks for all the kind words. So far so good ...he loves his boiled buffalo meat and no stomach problems. I call the vet tomorrow for further instructions, but he is doing so much better! I know we will need to modify his diet as he can't just eat the buffalo meat, but I have been researching this all and will discuss with the vet tomorrow...we have a wonderful vet!

Welcome to Yorkie Talk, good luck with Snickers and please keep up posted on his health.

Oh, from one dog lover to another, Welcome to YorkieTalk. You sound like one of us already and that you have given your all to Snickers. Snickers is a lucky little guy to have such caring and thoughtful owners and caregivers and likely well knows it!

And boy do they ever know our emotions - and we theirs. Today I was not feeling well with a bad tummy and Tibbe would not leave me alone! He was cuddling and shadowing me every time I took a step. He's finally decided I am well enough to leave for a time and he's moved down to the other end of the couch - probably he's exhausted. I don't think he's slept all day while I was ill! They sure do "read" us and understand when all is not right. And that works both ways. I can tell when Tibbe is out of sorts just by looking at him. I think it is so great that a great deal of dog owners now realize that their dogs can be real companions who understand a great deal of our world and are true family members - not just pets.

I hope you enjoy and learn as much for YT as I have and I pray that Snickers' health improves.

Welcome to YT. Snickers is lucky to have you as his human. And we at YT are lucky to have a psychologist join!

Hello and welcome to YT~officially :) I can tell that you love your Snickers and you are doing all that you can to help the little guy. Glad that you decided to join us on the forum. We are all here to help and support each other.